Pew survey finds just over half of US adults do not use AI chatbots

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New figures from the Pew Research Center show that 51 percent of US adults do not use AI chatbots. The Register's Dan Robinson points out that this makes users a slim minority, and that most non users have no plans to start. For all the attention AI gets in tech circles, a large part of the public is simply not interested yet

Age makes a big difference. Around three quarters of people aged 65 and over never use chatbots, along with 58 percent of those aged 50 to 64. Adults aged 18 to 29 are the heaviest users at 66 percent, although about a third of that group still say they never use them

Pew asked non users about five possible reasons. About six in ten said a simple lack of interest was a major factor. Worries about data privacy and the accuracy of answers came next. Fewer than a third said they did not know how to use chatbots, and fewer than one in five were concerned about what other people would think

Looking ahead, 67 percent of non users say they are unlikely to use a chatbot in the next 12 months, including 40 percent who say they are not at all likely. Twelve percent are unsure, and only 5 percent think they will probably try one. Robinson suggests bad experiences may put some people off, recalling Microsoft's Tay chatbot from 2016

These numbers are a useful reality check. Adoption of new technology often takes longer than its fans expect, and people need a clear reason to change their habits. Privacy and accuracy are fair concerns, and companies that address them well will probably win over more of the hesitant half

Are you surprised by these figures? And what would it take to convince the people in your life who do not use chatbots?

Chatbot refuseniks edge out users in the US, and they're not for turningwww.theregister.com